Southern District, Israel

Architecture

Enjoy a captivating journey on this day trip from Amman to Jerash. Pickup from three options that allow you to visit Ajloun castle and the city of Umm Qais. Stay connected along the way with the included Wi-Fi and keep hydrated with the complimentary water. Be picked up from your accommodation in Amman and relax on the scenic drive to Jerash, a world-renowned Roman city that is often celebrated as one of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities. Delve into history and stroll through this remarkable archaeological . Upgrade your experience by selecting the option to also visit the Ajloun Castle. After your visit to Jerash, go to see Ajloun Castle, a monumental fortress constructed by Saladin to safeguard Jerusalem. Nestled amidst lush forests, this fortress is a testament to historical grandeur. Get the full experience by selecting the option that includes Ajloun castle and the city of Umm Qais. After visiting the castle make your way to Umm Qais for breathtaking panoramic views that allow you to take in four countries simultaneously, including the mesmerizing Sea of Galilee. Marvel at the remarkable engineering prowess of the Romans in creating Umm Qais on a self-guided tour before returning to your accommodation in Amman.

Embark on a full-day guided tour from Tel Aviv to the Judean Hills and the shores of the Dead Sea by bus. Visit the ancient palace of Masada, ride a cable car, and admire the Qumran caves on your drive back. Perched on a high plateau, the ancient fortified palace of Masada became a refuge for Zealots who took a stand against the Romans, until the mass suicide of the zealots in 73 AD. The ruins sit precariously on a plateau some 1,300 feet above sea level and measure 2,000-foot long by 1,000-foot wide. They boast extraordinary views of the Dead Sea and the Judean Desert. It is an exhausting climb, but we will ascend by cable car to make life easier. Explore the fortress built by King Herod in around 37 BC. Visit the remains of the palaces and see mosaic floors, Roman baths, and other findings. Masada was also home to the oldest synagogue in Israel, but one of the most remarkable features is the 12 water cisterns, each with a capacity of up to 140,000 cubic feet. Following the tour of Masada, you will drive to the Dead Sea Mineral Beach located in the Jordan Rift Valley, between Jordan and the West Bank. It is the lowest place on earth and its high density of salt makes for a unique experience as you float on the beautiful aquamarine surface. Take a mud bath and benefit from the therapeutic qualities of the natural Dead Sea mud. You will then drive back to Tel Aviv, with an on-route view of the Qumran cave, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found.

After being picked up from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem depending on your booking option, travel to Bethlehem where you will meet your guide before heading into the old city of Bethlehem. Enjoy a guided visit to the Church of the Nativity.  Continue your tour with a visit to the Milk Grotto Church before riding to the city of the shepherds, Bayt Sahur where you will visit the Chapel of the Shepherds Field before getting to visit an olive wood factory where you will see artisans crafting wooden sculptures.  Then journey through the wonderful Judean Desert to the lowest point on earth. Have chances to stop and take pictures at the sea level point in the desert overlooking the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, Jericho.  Drive into Jericho where you will see some of the famed sights in the city including Zaccheus's Tree which is mentioned in the bible. Itinerary in Detail - Best Bethlehem, Jericho and Jordan River Tour Explore Bethlehem for 4-5 hours, starting at about 8:30 AM in Bethlehem Shepherds Field (30 Minutes): Visit a charming place where the Christmas story happened. Milk Grotto Church (10 Minutes): Experience calm and peace in this spiritual church. Nativity Church (60 Minutes): Learn about Bethlehem's history at this important place. Note that Grotto visits may not be possible unless booked Small Group option Zuluf Olive Wood Factory & Community Store (25 Minutes): Watch skilled craftsmen at work and shop for handcrafted items, No Lunch Breaks: Enjoy convenient falafel and chicken shawarma sandwiches for takeout Jericho and Beyond Sea Level Stop (5 Minutes): Take a moment to appreciate the significance of this location at sea level. Saint Gerasimous Monastery (15 Minutes): Discover the history of Saint Gerasimous Monastery in Jericho. Jordan River (30 Minutes): Reflect by the Jordan River, a place with deep biblical meaning. Hisham Palace (30 Minutes): Explore Hisham Palace, where old architecture tells stories from the past. Old City of Jericho (30 Minutes): Step back in time as you explore the ancient tales of Jericho's Old City. The Sycamore Tree (5 Minutes): See the Sycamore Tree linked to the story of Zacchaeus from the Bible. Elijah Spring (5 Minutes): Enjoy the peaceful Elijah Spring, a calm oasis in the desert landscape.

After meeting at the David Citadel Hotel, you will begin your 3 to 5-hour tour, depending on the season. You will explore some of the religious highlights of Bethlehem, including the Church of the Nativity, St. Catherine, and the Shepherds' Fields. You will begin with the chance to visit the 1,500-year-old Church of Nativity where Jesus was born. From there you will enjoy beautiful views of the Old City of Bethlehem complete with the Manger Square. You will then take a ride through the city of Bethlehem and Beit Sahour passing by the main sites. A special visit to the Milk Grotto is also available, as well as a tour to the Shepherd’s Field where the Angels first announced the birth of Jesus Christ.

Enjoy a day exploring some of the most significant holy sites in Israel on an excursion by bus from Jerusalem. The guided tour sets out from the city early in the morning and drives along the scenic coast via Tel Aviv and the plain of Armageddon to Nazareth. Arrive in Nazareth and visit St. Joseph’s Church and the Church of the Annunciation. The largest Roman Catholic church in the Middle East, the Church of the Annunciation is, according to tradition, the scene of the annunciation of the Virgin Mary.  Continue onwards via Kafr Kanna to view the Mount of Beatitudes and Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish at Tabgha. Set on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, you will stop to view the sea, and continue to the nearby ruins of the ancient synagogue of Capernaum. Visit Tiberias on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, considered one of the 4 Holy Cities of Judaism, along with Jerusalem, Hebron, and Safed. Drive to the Jordan River at Yardenit, where guests are invited to receive an optional baptismal service. Return to Jerusalem via a scenic route that takes in views of Mt. Tabor, the site of the transfiguration.

Embark on a guided tour of the Masada Fortress and take in the sweeping views of the Judean Desert. Travel in a comfortable and airconditioned van to the nature reserve of Ein Gedi before floating in the salty waters of the Dead Sea. Depart Tel Aviv. Be driven through the Judean Desert to the Dead Sea region, the lowest on earth. Heading south alongside the Dead Sea, reach the foot of Mount Masada, the ancient fortress which was constructed in Roman times and is famous as the location of an iconic story of heroism. At 9:00 AM ascend Masada by cable car and explore the site. At 11:00 AM continue to Ein Gedi, a beautiful nature reserve and oasis where you will have a chance to take a short hike or walk through the cooling and beautiful surroundings. After Ein Gedi, continue to the Dead Sea where you will access a private beach and have a chance to float in the famous waters and immerse in the muds that are so famous all around the world. Return to your hotel in Tel Aviv in the early evening.

Enjoy a full-day bus tour from Jerusalem to ancient ruins in the Judean Hills and the shores of the Dead Sea. See the archeological site of Masada and a fortress built by King Herod. Go for a dip at the Dead Sea Mineral Beach and uncover the cave where the dead sea scrolls were found. Visit the Masada National Park ruins which are perched on a high plateau. View the ancient fortified palace of Masada which became a refuge for zealots who took a stand against the Romans, which ended in the mass suicide of the zealots in 73 AD. Follow your guide and ride up on a cable car to 1,300 feet above sea level to the plateau where the immense Masada ruins rest precariously. Look out at extraordinary views of the Dead Sea and the Judean Desert. Explore the fortress built by King Herod in Masada in around 37 BC. Stroll through the remains of the palaces and see mosaic floors and Roman baths. Uncover the oldest synagogue in Israel and admire remarkable features like the 12 water cisterns that each had a capacity of 140,000 cubic feet. Drive to the lowest point on earth at the Dead Sea Mineral Beach which is located in the Jordan Rift Valley. Experience the high density of the salt in the water as you float with ease on the surface of the aquamarine water. Take a mud-bath and benefit from the therapeutic qualities of the natural Dead Sea mud before heading to the Qumeran cave, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Return to your accommodation in Jerusalem at the end of your tour.

On this full-day tour of the Holy Land, enjoy pick-up from your hotel in Tel Aviv in a comfortable air-conditioned coach and travel along highway no' 1 to Jerusalem. You’ll be accompanied throughout the day by a knowledgeable, professional guide. You’ll enjoy a panoramic overview from Mount Scopus, overlooking the new city of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount Esplanade of the old city. As you travel along the Kidron Valley, you’ll be able to take in views the Garden of Gethsemane as well as the walls of the city. On reaching the Armenian Quarter you'll enter the Western or Wailing Wall square via the local bazaar. See the Christian Quarter and the Stations of the Cross, also known as the Via Dolorosa. Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which is considered to be the site of the crucifixion of Jesus. You'll also walk along the 1700-year-old Byzantine Cardo, the main street, and see the renovated Jewish Quarter. Transfer to Bethlehem (Palestinian guide and vehicle). Bethlehem, meaning “City of Bread”, was the birthplace of Jesus according to Christian tradition. Your drive to Bethlehem takes you by way of Nativity Circle. Visit the Church of Nativity, and also the cave where Jesus was born. You’ll see Manger Square, where Jesus was placed after his birth. Before completing the tour, visit St' Catharine - a Roman Catholic Church. You’ll enjoy an overview of the Shepherd's Fields on the return drive to Tel Aviv.

Discover the famous old city of Bethlemen and the Dead Sea on a guided day trip from Jerusalem. Swim in the Dead Sea, visit an olive wood factory and see the famous Church of the Nativity. Following pickup in Jerusalem, ride to Bethlehem to meet your guide before heading to the Old City of Bethlehem. Begin with a guided visit to the Church of the Nativity. Next, if availability allows, visit the Nativity Star and the Cave of St. Jerome. From there, head to the Milk Grotto Church, where it is believed that the Holy Family found refuge from the Massacre of the Innocents before they could flee into Egypt. Next, drive to the City of the Shepherd's, Bayt Sahur. In Bayt Sahurt, enjoy a guided visit to the Chapel of The Shepherd's Field, the church where the angels first appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus Christ. Continue your trip with a visit to an olive wood factory and watch the artisans crafting wooden sculptures. Continue through the Judean Desert to reach the lowest point on Earth. Hop out and take pictures at sea-level in the desert . Continue to the Dead Sea to enjoy the rest of the day, either floating in the rich water or relaxing at the beach.

Starting from Jaffa Gate of the Old City, we’ll step back into time and walk through the different Quarters of the Old City. Taking in the indescribable energy that every corner presents, we’ll visit the sites most holy to all three religions. To Jews, King David’s Tomb and the Western (Wailing) Wall, the last remains of the Jewish Temple which stood here thousands of year ago. To Muslims, the site where the Prophet Mohammed ascended to heaven, the Dome of the Rock, as well as the beautiful Al Aqsa Mosque. And to Christians, the Via Dolorosa along which Christ walked with his own cross to his crucifixion, and the room of the last supper, as well as venturing inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre! Biblical stories will be put into context as you stand in the place where they took place whilst learning about the 5 Pillars of Islam, the foundation of the Jewish nation and the discovery of the True Cross, to name a few.